Raymond James has filed a lawsuit against the husband of an advisor, who passed away suddenly in March, for refusing to return her company laptop and sending letters to clients soliciting them on behalf of another firm.
The brokerage firm filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against Pietro “Peter” Melia, the Michigan-based husband of Sarah Melia, who was a Raymond James advisor for 13 years before her death in March 2025. She was 46 years old.
Raymond James claims Melia kept his wife’s company-issued laptop, which was to be returned in the case of her death or disability. The laptop contains sensitive company information, including confidential client information.
The complaint states he refuses to give the laptop back unless the company meets certain conditions, including signing an agreement containing a “hold harmless” provision.
“Raymond James is sympathetic to the Melia family’s personal tragedy, but Raymond James cannot allow Mr. Melia to continue unlawfully retaining Raymond James’ laptop and any other company information,” the lawsuit reads. “The laptop contains Raymond James’ proprietary and confidential information. Its return is imperative to maintain the integrity of those invaluable assets.”
The complaint also claims that Melia used the client contact information on the computer to solicit them on behalf of another advisory practice, Wealthcare Management Services, a Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based team affiliated with LPL Financial. Wealthcare President David Petoskey did not return a request for comment prior to publication.
“Mr. Melia has retained the laptop while the parties negotiate how to remove any attorney-client privileged and confidential information of his wife’s,” said Daniel W. Rucker, Melia’s attorney. “Mr. Melia has not had any ability to access the laptop and has never accessed the laptop while it has been in his possession. Mr. Melia has followed the appropriate regulatory requirements to provide a testimonial regarding a new firm that is assisting him now that his wife has passed and cannot manage his investments.”
One of his letters read: “As many of you already know, my wife Sarah Melia passed away on March 6, 2025. Sarah was deeply committed to serving you and all her clients with the highest level of care, integrity, and dedication. She valued the trust you placed in her and spoke often of how important her clients were to her. While I am not a licensed financial advisor, it is important to me that you continue to receive the same thoughtful guidance and attention that Sarah provided. After careful consideration, I would like to introduce you to Wealthcare Management Services, a team that shares Sarah’s values and commitment to client service.”
Raymond James says that in the weeks since those letters were sent out, clients representing over $100,000 in assets have stated their intent to leave the firm.
“The value of what Raymond James seeks to protect—its confidential information and its clients—thus exceeds $75,000,” the complaint states.
Raymond James is seeking the immediate return of the laptop and other company documents, and an order that Melia cease from using the company’s data to contact clients. It’s also seeking costs and attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with the action.
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